So the question is – does a chocolate a day really keep the doctor away?

Let’s take a look some of the data that are out there.

Research published in the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, and others have examined this question – and the answers are promising.

It starts with the antioxidant properties of dark chocolate. Antioxidants can be thought of as scavengers in the body that gobble up dangerous free radicals and other destructive molecules.

Think of antioxidants like Pac-Man – and the destructive molecules as the Ghosts in the game that Pac-Man gobbles.

Of course antioxidants aren’t just in dark chocolate – they’re in fruit and veggies, tea, and loads of other foods. But dark chocolate is one of the highest sources of antioxidants called flavonoids and catechins, two powerful ones.

Of course other foods are better sources of other antioxidants, so variety is key.

A recent study published in the Southern Medical Journal examined the effects of dark chocolate on inflammation, lipid levels, and the stickiness of the blood in 28 individuals.

They fed the individuals 1 oz of dark chocolate daily for 7 days.

The results:

LDL (the bad cholesterol) dropped by 6%

HDL (the good cholesterol) increased by 9%

hsCRP (inflammatory marker) decreased

While this was a short study, it can be combined with the other positive data that are available to support the inclusion of dark chocolate into the diet. Other studies suggest including dark chocolate into a varied diet lowers blood pressure too.

Aim for chocolate that has at least 70% cacao (it will tell you this on the package). We personally love 100% cacoa nibs in our yogurt — adds some great crunch and since they’re bitter without the added sugar that’s normally in chocolate, the yogurt does a nice job to offer the sweetness needed.

Limit that intake to about 1 oz once in awhile (not every 10 minutes). It still contains lot of calories and fat, so if you want to include chocolate, keep those calories in check by reducing your intake elsewhere.

Another favorite thing to do in the Mohr House — take a scoop of UNSWEETENED cocoa powder (you know, the stuff you bake with) and add it to a smoothie. Not necessarily romantic for your sweetheart … but surely great little boost of antioxidants, telling him/her that you want them to live longer.

I heard the hype about 1-1/2 yrs ago and so I started consuming one square a day of 70% + Cacao (about 1 oz) until I ended up with a myriad of kidney stones last summer. I tend to steer clear of chocolate now. I really wish that when we talk about the pros that we'd also include the cons. I don't know that chocolate caused all the stones(I've had 3 bouts with stones now over 20 yrs, the first two were one stone each, the third was myriads according to the doc) but chocolate is now on top of my quit list and I'll do everything I can to never have stones again.

Also I bought into the hype about how good Red wine is for a person. Started drinking roughly a glass a day (men can have up to two glasses a day right?) and the next thing I knew I came down with Gout. Gout is the enemy for all runners. Now I drink water 99% of the time. Again pros and cons, guess I just need to do more research before I buy into any good for you recipes.

Even more important than the cocoa content is how the chocolate is processed. You need chocolate that is cold-pressed and unprocessed as commercial processing destroys most of the flanonoids (the same as cooking vegetables at high temperatures for long periods of time destroys the vitamins and antioxidants). Only one company I know of is ethical enough to certify the finished product as to it's antioxidant and flavonoid content. They add no processed sugars, no bad fats, no preservatives and remove all traces of caffeine. And it is the most delicious, decadent Belgium chocolate you have ever tasted. All seven delicious products can be found at: www.cocoa101.com.

I LOVE DARK CHOCOLATE. I NEED TO EAT IT IN MODERATION. WHAT IS A REALLY GOOD DARK CHOCOLATE TO BUY? WHAT ABOUT DARK CHOCOLATE MOUSSE? WHAT ABOUT DARK CHOCOLATE PUDDING? ARE ANY OF THESE ANY GOOD FOR YOU TO LOOSE WEIGHT? WHICH ONES ARE? I REALLY LOVE DARK CHOCOLATE, BUT I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO TRY SOME THAT IS LOW IN CALORIES, IF THERE IS SUCH A THING? PLEASE EMAIL ME BACK AND LET ME KNOW ASAP. THANK YOU, REANNA.

Thank you for confirming what I have found to be true. I had the best 70%-cocoa- chocolate bar that I didnt get the opportunity to eat all of I accidently threw it away toady but I will go and get a new bar tomorrow. Try an organic bar, just delicious at first I was like eww this is strong but then the chocolate bemon creeped in yummy.

Yes not all chocolate, even dark chocolate is not created equally. My blog references articles and sources of studies about dark chocolate and I offer dark chocolate products without fillers, artificial preservatives and with low glycemic sugars. The important factor is the process which retains the antioxidants and flavonoids which are the processed out of most foods. We have products that range from 210 calories for 3 pieces, a daily serving, down to 100 calories. And it is delicious!
My blog has studies about blood pressure, stroke prevention and stroke victims, artery hardening for smokers, reducing cravings and more, all independent studies and reports.
Enjoy

how much dark chocolate is an ounce..i mean how many bars approximately?
n will it help me lose weight…coz i am on a diet plan..and i am a serious chocoholic..am addicted….but now im trying my best to control..but is it ok to have a bar of dark chocolate everyday..or is it better on alternate days…
n how many calories wud that contain?/